“We believe that the time is ripe for Canadian communities to become leaders in the implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation, sustainable technologies, infrastructure and building design, but this leadership is highly dependent on local, provincial and federal governments facilitating further innovation.

We believe this can be achieved by advancing bold legislation, congruent and coherent policies, and incentives to share and expedite the uptake of leading-edge practices. There was also unanimous agreement on the capacity of communities to embrace this agenda if governments go boldly where none has gone before.

The action plan is organized around these six major themes essential for moving forward to a carbon neutral economy by 2050, desirable, doable and achievable if we start now.

There is one overarching critical imperative that must be addressed is to recognize the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities to the political future of this country and to resolve outstanding governance issues, fairly and as soon as possible.”

“We believe today more than ever we need bold leadership. Our guess is that the real leadership needs to come from Canadians from communities everywhere. Dig in, take responsibility, and demand action from your elected officials.”

(adapted from Synder)

http://www.ssg.coop/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/peer2peer.gif6601241Jeremy Murphyhttp://www.ssg.coop/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ssg_logo.pngJeremy Murphy2015-09-23 09:58:112015-09-23 09:58:11A Call to Action for and by Canadians: The Solutions Agenda

In our first in a series of Associate Webinars, Lindsay Telfer, Associate of SSG and National Project Director of the Canadian Freshwater Alliance will share an engagement methodology she has developed to broaden and deepen freshwater engagement across Canada.When: 10th September 13:00 EST

Lindsay Telfer, Associate of SSG and National Project Director of the Canadian Freshwater Alliance will share an engagement methodology she has developed to broaden and deepen freshwater engagement across Canada. In describing the approach she will reference case studies of her recent work building engagement for the new Water Sustainability Act in British Columbia and driving collaborative engagement around solving Lake Erie’s toxic algae problems.

Lindsay uses an organizing methodology that builds a base of engaged support for change. Much of that approach is applicable for creating engaged communities for sustainability, whether it be community groups, municipalities and residents. Akin to “engagement organizing” the approach marries tried and test strategies in organizing with new technology tools to aid in broadening and deepening relationships with 100s or 1000s of supporters.

Green Building audio tours have released our latest podcast that guides listeners through our project for community supported housing with Portland Hotel Society in Vancouver, BC. SSG Director Jeremy describes our contribution and sustainability of the 139 unit development for vulnerable people alongside Jeff West from Portland Hotel Society. Features include a rooftop garden, a high efficiency Airstack heating system, heat recovery units in the ventilation system, and a solar hot water array and 80% waste diversion rate during construction.

Prelude City Homes is a unique mixed use development, one of the first to hit the market as part of the City of Vancouver’s innovative Cambie Corridor Plan. The 6.5-storey building consists of 4 strata commercial units and 52 strata residential units, two of which are free standing 3 bedroom laneway houses. Embodying the principles of urban densification, the project is located in the already established Oakridge neighbourhood, and within a few steps from schools, universities, parks, day care centres, community centres, a shopping centre, golf course, and the Canada Line Skystrain.

Sustainability Solutions Group was brought on to coordinate the achievement of LEED Silver Equivalency, and has encouraged the incorporation of such building features as: the use of groundwater for irrigation, the use of heat recovery ventilators, maximized daylighting, and LED lighting systems, to name a few.

Since 2008, SSG has been involved in sustainability consulting and LEED Certification for the socially-assisted housing project 188 East 1st Avenue. Listen in for ways SSG helped bring sustainability, efficiencies and wellbeing to this building and it’s residents.

The Municipality of North Cowichan was awarded the Community Energy Association’s Community Planning and Development Award at this week’s UBCM conference. Sustainability Solutions Group (SSG) performed North Cowichan’s unique and innovative Climate Action and Energy Plan, launched earlier this year. The plan, with funding support from BC Hydro, inventoried the community’s existing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and identified future trends in energy and GHG emissions based on population, land use, technology and other factors. Read more

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has named Vancouver Convention Centre West (VCCW) among its 2011 Top Ten Green Projects, announced last month. Sustainability Solutions Group, the sustainability and LEED consultant for VCCW, led the project to a LEED Platinum rating, the highest level of certification by the Canada Green Building Council. VCCW is the only Canadian building on AIA’s list and is the only LEED Platinum convention center in the world. Read more